Fashion Business Club

FBC Membership Director and handbag designer Rita Nazareno of S.C. Vizcarra is celebrating the opening of S.C. Vizcarra Workshop Store in Manlla. If you’re in Manila November 11th and have a chance to come by, RSVP to Rita at rnazareno@vizcarra1925.com.

Neely Reyes (centre) and Ian Warren (far right) with models and staff

FBC‘ers turned out in their fashion finery on Wednesday night as fellow members and managing partners of Sapphires Model Management hosted their London launch party in the Billiard Room of the Sanderson.

The event was packed thick with with the industry’s finest from Sapphires’ Neely Reyes and Ian Warren to models, fashion stylists and editors, film directors, designers and artists.

Daisy de Villeneve & Neely Reyes

Amongst the guests were FBC members: Rita Nazareno, FBC membership director & special projects manager of S.C. Vizcarra; Daisy de Villeneuve, FBC board member, illustrator, designer & writer; Courtney Blackman, FBC co-chair and MD of Forward PR; Giovanna Velasquez, founder & creative director of Magenta 8; Rebekah Roy, FBC blog edior, fashion stylist & creative director; Daniella Steadman, FBCtv’s new producer and executive producer of fashion & beauty at Love; Frances Card, merchandise manager at Matches & Drapers blogger; Sam Fearn, MD of Fearnhurst PR & founder of Fashion Press Week; Martyn Roberts & John Walford of Vauxhall Fashion Scout; myself, Anne Look, fashion stylist and blogger; and Rachael Sardelich, head of fashion & beauty at Morgans Hotels.

Rebekah Roy & John Walford

The two-hour event, commemorating the opening of Sapphires’ Soho office, spilled over into nearly five hours as guests chatted to background music mixed by internationally renowned DJ, Jeffrey Louis-Reed and sipped cocktails made from Aussie Spirits’ Vodka O & Kinky Rum, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Guests countered the cocktails with Mojito, chocolate-banana and coconut-lime cupcakes from Sweetie Darling’s (the Mojito cupcake was possibly the best). The VIP gift bags were overflowing with beauty products, drinks, sumptuous vouchers, a lovely handwritten scroll from Neely and Ian, and even clothes!

DJ Jeffrey Louis-Reed with Anne Look & Rachael Sardelich

Neely and Ian were delighted at the overwhelming turnout. “We’re very grateful to have the support of so many leading industry figures,” says Neely, “Sapphires’ move to Soho is a big step for the company and we can’t wait to see where this new adventure takes us.”

Congratulations, Neely & Ian!

Edward Enninful

On July 29th globally acclaimed stylist and creative director of i-D Magazine, Edward Enninful will be interviewed by FBC member and newly appointed creative director of Bally, Michael Herz, who is looking forward “to stepping into the role of interviewer for long-time friend, colleague and industry inspiration.”

FBC members can look forward to hearing about Enninful’s meteoric rise in fashion – from being spotted on a train at 16 by Simon Foxton, appointed creative director of i-D just two years later at age 18, to still being the most sought-after stylist after over two decades in the industry.

We’ll find out how the role of a stylist has evolved in his experience, and get the inside scoop on what is has been like working with Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Craig McDean, Kate Moss, Terry & Tricia Jones, Anna Wintour, and Grace Coddington amongst so many others.

Courtney Blackman, co-founder and co-chairman of FBC says, “Welcoming our first stylist, and a legendary one at that, to the high stool at Swarovski, I’m fascinated to hear Edward’s story brought to life by one of my favourite people of all time, Michael Herz…and of course we’re all hoping Edward will divulge some silly behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of ‘The September Issue.‘”

Edward Enninful interviewed by Michael Herz will take place exclusively on July 29^th at FBC’s partner venue Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ at 3:00 pm.

Members can RSVP for this event by sending an email to: rsvp@fashionbusinessclub.net

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member or attending the event as a guest, send an email to our membership director, Rita Nazareno: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

If you are relevant press and are interested in covering the event, please contact our press director Penelope Sacorafou: penelope@fashionbusinessclub.net

In association with media partner: VOGUE.COM

FBC’s amazing membership director, Rita Nazareno of Vizcarra 1925 is giving a away an ‘Amanda‘  handbag in this week’s Grazia.

The Sanderson’s Long Bar

The Sanderson celebrated their tenth anniversary and our board member Daisy de Villeneuve, was invited to sit on the executive committee along with industry mainstays including Jasmine Guinness, Olivia Inge, Nicholas Kirkwood, Richard Mortimer and Todd Lynn. All were at the event, centered around The Sanderson’s Long Bar and outside space where Florence + the Machine performed.

A photo booth was set up for added fun and we played a little game called ‘have your photo taken with two of FBC’s board members.’

We started easy with fellow FBC member and vice president of international sales and business development at Diane von Furstenberg, Gabriella Piccinni and handbag designer Ethan Koh. We then got Brian Jones, senior vice president of sales for the Morgans Hotel Group to join us; then model/actress, Camilla Rutherford for a Charlie’s Angels-inspired session, complete with wind machine. We capped it off with an FBC board members only shoot. Daisy is wearing Diane von Furstenberg and I’m in Jasper Garvida, with bags by FBC’s, Rita Nazareno and her label, S.C. Vizcarra.

*Overdone trend of the evening: very high knotted hair, on both women and (long-haired) men.

Shyla Hassan (right) with editor Cleo Davis

Recognise is a new men’s and women’s socially aware lifestyle magazine. Their charge is to raise awareness and inform, and they had a lovely and completely packed party at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED^TM – run by FBC member Stine Brogaard – to celebrate.

Magenta 8 alpaca bolero by FBC member Giovanna Velasquez

Two issues in and FBC member Shyla Hassan, the magazine’s fashion and celebrity director has some amazing people involved, saying, “More and more labels are becoming ethically aware. It’s not about being completely ecological, as this will take time and for most people it’s not realistic. But from a fashion point of view, we aim to expose every label that is moving toward being ethical in some shape or form. If every individual could do just one thing that made a difference and give back in some way, it would change the world. Hopefully we can inspire people to make that change however big or small!”

Zacarias by S.C. Vizcarra Chaise clutch by FBC’s Rita Nazareno

FBC members at the launch in support included Myra Nigris, one half of fashion label, HEMYCA and Amisha Ghadiali, jewellery designer and founder of Think Act Vote.

Giovanna Velasquez’s label Magenta 8, as well as Rita Nazareno’s S.C. Vizcarra were on exhibit throughout the night.

Congratulations Shyla, and congrats to Stine for putting on another fantastic event!

It was all sequins and furs, studs and silks to launch Fashion Business Club (FBC)’s 4th birthday! Dressed to the nines, each member put their best heel (or stiletto) forward and participated in making this FBC event one of the greatest!

The FBC Team: Laura McCluskey, Alison Whelan, Rebekah Roy, Dave Wise, Courtney Blackman, Myka Volney, Rita Nazareno

Frances Card, Director of Frances Card Consultancy, graced FBC with her fabulousness in honoring our special guest interviewer, Sarah Curran, CEO of my-wardrobe.com. Kicking off the interview in stellar attires and a positive attitude that filled Swarvoski CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢ to the brim, the two ladies got down to business, sharing with FBC the challenges and obstacles of moving fashion retail business from bricks and mortar boutique to the online world.

“Powder was my first boutique,” said Curran, “but the biggest challenge to moving that online was finding a price point for everyone…I didn’t want customers to feel excluded while at the same time making it a great experience…creating a community and a friendly environment.”

Easier said than done, no?  Curran ran FBC through all the logistical planning that takes place when designing a online retail boutique – from the editorial to photography, the models to product packaging; Each little detail of my-wardrobe.com has been thought over, processed, analyzed by the CEO herself.  “Maintaining a consistency of style is especially important online,” she said, but the biggest challenge, Curran laughs: “It’s finding a name, and then making sure it’s available!”

France Card & Sarah Curren from my-wardrobe.com

Card and many other loyal customers who have overseen the magnetic power that the site has will not disbelieve that the site, within six months, was outselling Powder.  But once you’re at the top, where does one go? “What is next for my-wardrobe.com’s global journey?,” asked Card, posing the question that many others in the audience wondered.

“Online retailing is so young,” said Curran, “We can change the way we browse things,  and being the most critical of the site, I am always wanting to make improvements.” And improvements they are! my-wardrobe.com is currently implementing catwalks and videos, allowing customers to browse items as a whole or individually, tagged and categorized to convenience and tastes.  “This is something not being done currently,” said Curran, “and it’s so different from what other sites offer.”

But for a woman, with a supportive team backing her up – including father and husband -,  my-wardrobe.com with all its success has been no easy feat.  “There are lots of risks,” Curran said, “But you have to have massive confidence.  And if you’re that dedicated, with each sacrifice, you will get there… If you want it, you have to believe and you have to invest [in online].  It’s by no means the cheaper alternative…You have to go in 100 per cent.”

And 100 per cent she did! With an amazing website, a dedicated family, and lavish styling account for her own fashion duds, Curran is surely a name that the fashion industry will have on its lips a lot more of in the future.  In the meantime, raise a glass of bubbly and toast to the wise words of the beautiful entrepreneur and FBC’s 4th birthday!

FBC members mixing & mingling at FBC's 4th birthday

S.C.Vizcarra handbags by FBC member Rita Nazareno are now available at Suzannah boutique, including the lovely little handbag that Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman has named “Blue Bell“!

Suzannah
6 Bristol Gardens,
London W9 2JG

Jonathan Saunders

It was a true success; ladies wore their pearls and studs, men wore their furs, and Jonathan Saunders brought himself and the knowledge he’s acquired in the fashion business over the past six years.

Gaining momentum with a 2004 Vogue cover, Saunders appreciates the help that the British press has had on his popularity in the United Kingdom. He said, “the British press acknowledges and appreciates UK designers…it’s our newness and the notion of us creating our work.”

Jonathan Saunders & Dolly Jones

Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com, board member of FBC, and interviewer for FBC’s final 2009 meeting, was quick to ask Saunders whether the press had the influence to make or break a designer and his collection; Saunders reply: “You have to be aware of public perception, but if your too conscious of others, you loose your own vision.”

But the press aren’t the only people in a designer’s life who have a major impact on what he sells. Saunders antidotes of past relations with buyers made it clear to FBC how much he “[doesn’t] have to please everyone…but from loyal customers [learns] [his] own style range, a very specific style learned from [his buyers].”

With loyal customers, from the mid-lands of North America to the sandy shores of Dubai, Saunders interprets the different aesthetics of his consumers. And with all the High Street collaborations, Saunders believes in taking the most valuable knowledge from them. “It’s not a dumbing down, and not because it’s about making more money, but purely from what I’ve learned in the process.”

How does the man behind the fashion keep it all together? The Scotsman- and audience- laughed that whiskey had something to do with it. Of course, ambition was a close second.

Clare Morgan receives her CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢ prize from Jonathan Saunders

We’ll be seeing Saunders more in the future as the designer has confirmed that he will be staying in the UK for the next fashion season. The designer also did the honour of selecting an FBC member for the raffle that Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Lounge offered. Clare Morgan, owner of Clamor Fashion Agency, went home with a £200 gift voucher to spend in the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ store. The rest of us took home Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ magazines. Taking into account all the glitz and the glamour of crystals and the invaluable knowledge that Saunders was able to bestow, it was a great closing for the year.

Jonathan Saunders and Dolly Jones (centre) with FBC co-founders and co-chairs, Alison Whelan and Courtney Blackman

The next FBC meeting with be held on 28 January 2010 and FBC member and fashion & business expert Frances Card will be interviewing Liberty’s creative director, Tamara Salman, so save the date! In the meantime, Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

If you’re interested in joining FBC, please send an e-mail to our membership director, Rita Nazareno: membership@fashionbusinessclub.net

Daniella Cagol Guest Editor

Photos by Dave Wise for FBC

It’s been a while since the Ford Models Supermodel of the World UK Search has been held in the UK, so who better to get involved with reviving it than FBC members? Members attended the catwalk finale, judged the finalists and where backstage making it happen!

…with William Tempest and Dolly Jones – photo by Anne Look

I was pulled in a couple of months ago to do the PR, but ended up co-ordinating quite a lot of it, and had the most incredible support from FBC board member Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com. She and her team were very generous with coverage on Vogue.com and Dolly was kind enough to donate her time to sit on the judging panel for the finale. Thank you, Dolly! FBC’s blog editor Rebekah Roy is one of the best catwalk stylists out there and she hit the ground running, not only prepping and styling the show, but pulling in the best of the best from Toni&Guy – Tim Furssedunn did the hair using label.m, and AOFM – Lan Nguyen did the make-up using MAC, and she got tights from Wolford. Rebekah, you are a star!

Rebekah Roy (centre) with two of her assistants

For clothing, I turned to FBC member Harold Tillman’s heritage label, Jaeger and they became the official clothes sponsor, providing 24 looks for the 12 finalists.  FBC member Georgina Goodman loaned the shoes, and our fantastically charismatic Frances Card made the most amazing and stunning host!

Frances Card

I sat between Iris Menier, European director of Ford Models and fashion designer William Tempest on the judging panel (if only to act as a living, breathing teleprompter for Frances) and we awarded Sadie Phelps the winner, who will go on to represent the UK in Sao Paulo in January.

Sadie Phelps (centre) with runners-up Daisy Toogood (left) and Sunnygirl Senjack (right) – photos by Dominic Clarke

FBC members came in droves!  In the audience sat FBC board member Daisy de Villeneuve, FBC membership director, Rita Nazareno and members: Anne Look (who was real-time mobile blogging),  Jimmy Ho, Caroline Almgren, Alison Lowe, Anne-Louis Fogtmann, Lenka O’Neill, Giovanna Velasquez, Issie Gibbons, Karen Brost, Kira Heuer, Natasha Frangos, Stine Brogaard, Tove Westling, Vanessa Warren and Victoria Holt.  If I’ve missed you out, let me know and I’ll add you in!

Anne Look post-show wearing a HEMYCA dress and Olivia Roat hat – photo by Magnus Arrevad

Thank you to everyone again for being involved, on every level. You all rock!

Courtney Blackman Co-Founder & Co-Chairman